Possible Issues with Narcolepsy and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a joyous occasion for many women, but for those dealing with narcolepsy and pregnancy, it can present a unique set of challenges. Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the control of sleep and wakefulness, resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. Pregnant women with narcolepsy may experience some complications related to their condition during pregnancy. In this blog post, we discuss the possible pregnancy complications with narcolepsy.
1. Increased daytime sleepiness
One of the most common symptoms of narcolepsy is excessive daytime sleepiness, which can significantly affect a pregnant woman’s ability to perform daily activities. During pregnancy, hormones can increase the sensation of fatigue, which can exacerbate this symptom. It could lead to disruption in daily life, missed appointments, and in some cases, difficulty in maintaining employment.
2. Medication management
Most medications used to treat narcolepsy are considered safe for pregnant women, such as clonidine and modafinil. However, no medication comes without risk, and the decision to continue medication should be carefully discussed with a healthcare professional. Additionally, some women may require changing medication when pregnant due to hormonal changes affecting drug tolerability and effectiveness.
3. Complications During Childbirth
Pregnant women with narcolepsy may have a higher risk of complications during childbirth. This risk is due to the possible interference of narcolepsy in the induction of effective contractions, the need for immediate surgical intervention due to excessive sleepiness affecting the capacity to push effectively, and several other reasons. Healthcare professionals and support agents should be present while delivering to safely manage these circumstances.
4. Fatigue-related depression symptoms
The level of depression comes in on a high possibility due to an increase in fatigue for someone who already has fatigue issues. Pregnancy is also associated with an increased risk of depression, and those women with narcolepsy who are pregnant are more likely to suffer from depression as a result of fatigue.
5. Increased risks of complications for the child
The cause of narcolepsy isn’t fully understood by medical experts. Because of certain links between the condition’s genetic roots, child delivery and related concerns, together with an increased risk of preeclampsia and preterm labor, increasing the risks of term-related problems or the complications during labor occur.
Pregnancy can cause pregnancy-related complications to women with narcolepsy, whose daily living requires some level of supervision. It requires that women with narcolepsy meet with a healthcare professional frequently, ensure weight maintenance is a priority during the child’s period, and manage their day-time sleepiness and set a routine help. This may reduce the likelihood of a range of issues that could be quite dangerous to manage while pregnant. As narcolepsy is an uncommon condition, it’s important that more awareness is raised, making it easier for pregnant women with narcolepsy to receive the best possible care. For more information on what you need to know about narcolepsy and pregnancy go to https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/narcolepsy-and-pregnancy